Reverend Rumblefish versatility

I am a recent bass convert after playing guitar for 20 + years. I was wondering how versatile the Reverend Rumblefish was. I play in a church praise band that plays several different styles so I need something that is pretty versatile. I'm trying to decide between a Rumblefish and a Warwick FNA. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Well, I'd say it fits in pretty much any style of music, but it is a passive bass. If you have a good EQ on your amp, then you'll be fine. I still use my Reverend on every gig (along with my Yamaha BB1500A). If I want a more upright-like tone, I just turn the tone down. It is also sensitive to plucking position. For example, if you pluck near the neck, it will give you a more bassy tone, if you pluck over the bridge pickup, it will be much more tight, focused, and bright.

Originally posted by leishan I am a recent bass convert after playing guitar for 20 + years. I was wondering how versatile the Reverend Rumblefish was. I play in a church praise band that plays several different styles so I need something that is pretty versatile. I'm trying to decide between a Rumblefish and a Warwick FNA. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Mr. 7770 is right.. the control over tone and dynamics you have with your hands, combined with the Reverend's tone knob, provides several usable sounds. Certainly, a passive bass with J-style electronics isn't going to be as tonally versatile as an active bass, but the Reverend combined with the EQ on your amp should give you enough flexiblity. And, I can say without reservation that my Rumblefish is the sweetest playing and sounding bass I've ever owned, and that includes a couple that cost nearly four times as much.
Plus, what better bass than a Reverend to play with a praise group?

They are high-quality, well made instruments masquerading as 50's and 60's kitsch. I'll bet a lot of people are surprised when they pick one up for the first time after having seen them only in pictures...I know I was!

I recently picked up a used Rumblefish XL, and it's become my #1 gigging bass. IMO, a Reverend bass could do any type of music well, except for slap-style music. The semi-hollow body just doesn't have enough bite. I use my Reverend for a few songs that I slap and pop a little on, and it gets by, but it's just not ideal.

I would say that it is as versatile as any passive jazz style bass. I would not say that it can get a ton of different sounds, like a bass with an active preamp. but they have a great tone that will work with any kind of music. they are great basses. I had an older rumblefish and I kick myself in the butt for selling it.